An allocation of funds will be provided first to the defending U.S. Indoor Champion in each event, and then to the top four ranked indoor performers, based on the 2012 U.S. Indoor List or IAAF Top Marks list of marks achieved from November 12, 2011 - February 15, 2012 (on-time entry deadline).

Note: Athletes, including the defending champion in all events at the U.S. Indoor Championships, must have posted a qualifying mark during the 2012 indoor qualifying window in order to qualify for a travel funding allocation.

If the defending U.S. Indoor Champion is not entered and qualified for the Indoor Championships by the on-time entry deadline (Wednesday, February 15, 2012 by 11:59 p.m. ET), funding will then be allocated to the top five (5) ranked performers in each event who have entered by the on-time entry deadline and who have met the qualifying mark.

For these allocations, funds will be awarded to the top ranked athletes in the distances/disciplines contested at the Championships and NOT for times or distances achieved in alternate qualifying distances/times (i.e. rank in the 60m, but not 55m or 50m). The only exception to this would be in the case of the allocation to the Defending Champion, who simply needs to be ENTERED AND QUALIFIED in order to be allocated and, therefore, could use an alternate distance/time.

In addition to the payments as described above, an allocation of funds will be provided to those athletes who were not allocated funding prior to the Indoor Championships, but who place in the top three (3) in their event at the 2012 USA Indoor Track & Field Championships.

In order to be eligible for the Indoor Championships travel allocations, an athlete must be a current USATF member in good standing; must have entered by the on-time entry deadline (Wednesday, February 15, 2012 by 11:59 p.m. ET); must have met the qualifying standard set by USATF no later than the on-time entry deadline; and must be a citizen of the United States of America who is eligible to represent the U.S. in international competition.

Notes

Travel funding breakdown:

The airfare allocation will be based on a "supersaver" fare (21-day advance purchase/Saturday night stay-over)

There will be a flat rate of $275 towards per diem/accommodations.

Travel funding distribution:

Athletes who qualify for pre-allocations will receive their checks at packet pick-up at the Championships.

Athletes who qualify for post-allocations will receive their checks via mail (U.S. Postal Service) but only after all drug testing results from USADA have become final. It can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks for USATF receive these results.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE REGULATIONS ON TRAVEL STIPENDS

All athletes receiving travel stipends for any domestic or international event should carefully read this notice. The IRS requires that all travel stipends be treated as taxable income to the recipient, unless valid receipts for travel costs incurred are provided. Note that the process to determine stipend amounts and qualified athletes has not changed. Travel stipends will still be provided at the event as in the past. This is only a change in our recordkeeping and tax requirements.

No athlete or agent can receive travel stipend payment without prior submission of their Social Security Number (individuals and certain agents) or Federal ID Number (certain agents). If you have not already done so for payments received from USATF in the past, please provide this information to Sariyu Suggs by completing the following form:

For USATF Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field Championships, an email (or paper) receipt showing your airfare and itinerary is sufficient documentation. Please forward this information to
Sariyu.Suggs@usatf.org any time leading up to the event, or up to 60 days after the event.

Notes:

Allocations WILL be taxable unless you provide the receipts mentioned above.

The W-9 has to be done by everyone and DOES NOT make the allocations tax-free.

Athletes or agents who have a W-9/SSN/FIN on file for past payments received from USATF do not need to complete a new form.

Incorporated agents (with a Federal ID number) accepting travel stipend payment on behalf of athletes need only provide their Federal ID number and an invoice of costs incurred for each individual athlete. It is the responsibility of these businesses to properly account for the funds.

Only those expenses that were not reimbursed or paid directly by another source (Sponsor, Local Organizing Committee, IAAF, etc.) can be applied against any domestic or international travel stipend from USATF.

All travel stipends not supported by the aforementioned documentation within 60 days of the related event, will be reported to the IRS and the recipients as taxable income. Please consult your accountant for proper tax treatment of any amounts reported as taxable income.